Island of Corfu

Greek Island of Corfu

One island & a thousand possibilities

BY: WANJIRU CIIRA

Islands have an enchanting beauty. And if you want to spend your summer holiday on an island, you would certainly not go wrong if you chose Greece. Since Greece is home to some 6,000 islands, you can spend your whole summer vacation hopping from island to island, enjoying their unparalleled beauty.

Corfu, the most northerly of the Ionian islands, offers sandy beaches, underwater caves, forested green hills, rugged limestone rock formations, museums, and hearty local dishes.

The island, with its array of accommodation, is an ideal destination for families, couples, or even the lone traveler. Read on to learn about a few of the many activities you can enjoy in Corfu.

Enjoy more of the western and eastern coasts by taking a boat tour. You may hire a boat at Paleokastritsa in the west or Dassia in the east and motor along the coast.

Enjoy the blue-green waterfront framed by thick cypress, pine, and eucalyptus forests. Stop over at the wild Arkoudilas or the laid back Halicounas beaches to the south. You may prefer the unspoiled Agios Georgios Pagon or the arresting Paleokastritsa and Glyfada coastlines in the west.

At Corfu, you are spoiled for choice. In the east, you may spend time at Barbati or Kouloura beaches. Enjoy the luminous waters and unmatched mountain views offered by Dassia beach.

The Canal d'Amour is about 20 minutes from the small village of Sidari. It features impressive sandstone rock formations that create a natural passage into the Ionian Sea. The rock formations provide hideaways from where you can dive into the warm, salty water to explore the myriad tunnels and caves that are a feature of this coastline. For even better exploration, you may hire snorkeling gear.

Enjoy stunning views of Corfu and surrounding islands from the top of Mount Pantokrator (906 meters), located in the north of the island. You have the option of hiking up the mountain or driving there. Hiking takes about two hours. The views from the top of the mountain are matchless. On a clear day, you can see as far as the southern tip of Italy, some 130 kilometers away.

Another attraction on Mount Pantokrator is Pantokrator Monastery, which dates back to the 14th century. However, its current form dates from the 19th century.

Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town's cobblestone streets transport one to a gone-by era of kings, noblemen, and noblewomen. The narrow alleyways of the Campiello neighborhood provide a special experience.

Visit Corfu town's Old Fortress and New Fortress for a lofty view of the capital and the Ionian Sea. Corfu is one of the Mediterranean's most fortified port cities. Browse through small stores for unique, traditional handcrafted items, shoes, and clothes. Your family and friends will thank you for these exceptional gifts.

5. Enjoy the city's culture

Corfu teems with museums and galleries. The Antivouniotissa Museum exhibits religious works covering six centuries of Ionian artistic expression. Other vestiges of interest include the Corfu Museum of Asian Art situated in the Palace of St. Michael and St. Georgiou, and the Banknote Museum.

The Solomos Museum, the Reading Society, the Ionian Parliament, and the Museum of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu all warrant a visit. And if you want to see how an aristocratic family lived in the 19th century, visit the Casa Parlante Museum.

The Achilleion Palace is located 10 kilometers southwest of Corfu Town, just outside Gastouri village. This grand villa was the summer residence of Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary, popularly known as Sissi. You can explore the villa's gardens, packed with towering palm trees and neoclassical statues.

Final thoughts

Head to the Greek island of Corfu to enjoy sandy beaches with clear blue-green waters, underwater caves, forested green hills, rugged limestone rock formations, museums, and hearty local dishes.

It’s best to visit Greek islands between May and October. Temperatures during these months range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, making it warm enough to enjoy the outdoors.